• Both Auckland and Tasman are currently unbeaten
• Patrick Tuipulotu makes his return in the blue and white hoops
• Evan Olmstead and Jonathan Ruru make their first starts

The Mako have come North this week for a clash between the only two remaining undefeated sides in the competition. Auckland have showed steady improvement throughout the opening three weeks of the Mitre 10 Cup and will know they will have to do so once again against Tasman.

In a boost to Auckland’s chances, All Black Patrick Tuipulotu makes his first appearance of the season, starting at lock alongside the impressive Jack Whetton. Dalton Papali’i makes way at blindside flanker for Evan Olmstead who is promoted from the bench for his first start in blue and white.

The only change in the backline comes at halfback with Jonathan Ruru earning his first opportunity to begin the game. Leon Fukofuka slides on to the bench and will look to provide telling impact when called upon.

New Zealand Under 20 representative Tanielu Tele’a is in line for his first Auckland cap from the pine after overcoming a niggling shoulder injury that rendered him unavailable over the last month.

Head Coach Alama Ieremia is under no illusions as to the challenge posed by Tasman and sees this match as a real acid test for his young side.

“We’re expecting a tough battle on Friday night. Tasman are at the top-of-the-table for a reason and have shown some good variation in what they’re doing and they’re a squad that’s been together for a long time. It is exciting times though, to be able to play the best and we’re certainly preparing that way.”

In light of the challenge that lies ahead there are several changes to the matchday squad, both in the starters and reserves.

“Evan Olmstead comes in at #6 this week instead of Dalton Papali’i who has been good for us so far. We also have a change at halfback with Jonathan Ruru coming in for Leon who has also been good for us this year and now gets the chance to do the job in the second half. Welcoming Patrick back has also been exciting and it’s great for the boys to have him around.”

Auckland and Tasman are currently split with four wins apiece and a draw from their past encounters, so there’s the opportunity for one side to edge ahead in the overall head-to-head come the final whistle on Friday night.

View the match day programme Click here 

Auckland team to play Tasman:

1. Sam Prattley (Pakuranga)
2. Robbie Abel (College Rifles)
3. Marcel Renata (University)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (Ponsonby)
5. Jack Whetton (Grammar TEC)
6. Evan Olmstead (Suburbs)
7. Blake Gibson - Captain (Ponsonby)
8. Akira Ioane (Ponsonby)
9. Jonathan Ruru (University)
10. Harry Plummer (Grammar TEC)
11. Salesi Rayasi (Marist)
12. TJ Faiane (Pakuranga)
13. Tumua Manu (College Rifles)
14. Melani Nanai (Manukau Rovers)
15. Jordan Trainor (Ponsonby)
16. Mike Sosene-Feagai (Mt Wellington)
17. Jarred Adams (Suburbs)
18. Marco Fepulea'i (Ponsonby)
19. Fa'atiga Lemalu (Papatoetoe)
20. Dalton Papali'i (Pakuranga)
21. Leon Fukofuka (Marist)
22. Jacob Umaga (Eden)
23. Tanielu Tele'a (Marist)

Unavailable due to injury: Michael Fatialofa (knee), Adrian Choat (hamstring), Taleni Seu (back – season)